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Hi I'm Cестра Kennard

I believe music is love and life. I love to FEEL music. I'm excited to dedicate my life to missionary work. And I'm a Mormon. :)

About Me

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I'm about to start full-time service as a missionary in the Russia Rostov-na-Donu mission. I am the youngest of 9, with 17 nieces and nephews, born and raised in Utah. I love spending time with loved ones. I love playing the piano, singing, and conducting music. I am no longer in marching band, but I was all through high school, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I love supporting my fellow members on Twitter. I'm a big fan of Harry Potter, and I hope I get to see Diagon Alley someday. I think living positively is the only way to live. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and I absolutely CANNOT wait to learn more about Him and develop a stronger testimony of Him and of His gospel as I serve in Russia. I am passionate about motherhood, and I plan to raise a family. That's another thing I can't wait for. I can't wait to be a mother and to watch my own children learn and grow as beautiful children of Heavenly Father. I love my Savior. I love my family. I love life.

Why I am a Mormon

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I was born a Mormon, so many would say I had no choice in the matter. While I was growing up, I thought that I wasn't allowed to question my beliefs. I thought, when my parents and teachers said not to doubt, that I was just supposed to trust fully in what everyone else said. I've found that, while trusting in others' experiences does help me to grow, it is also important for me to ask questions--always--to strengthen my personal beliefs. Every time I've had a question, I've sought for the answer, and every time I've been reassured of fundamental truths. I know I am a daughter of God, and it is a truth that I hold dearest to my heart. I'd never give this up--not for all the riches in the world.

How I live my faith

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I find that just being an example of kindness and unconditional love will help others to see the love that our Heavenly Father has for them. When I talk to people, I don't make it a point to talk about religion, but I do make sure that I make it an obvious part of who I am. If someone asks, I tell them. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and as such, I believe that I should serve Jesus Christ by loving His children. It's often enough to change people just by who you are around them. I'm learning and growing every day to try to be better. I'm currently serving as a missionary, and learning every day how to be better and love my fellow men as the Savior loves them. It's a challenge, but it's worth it.

Why do Mormons perform baptisms for the dead?

Cестра Kennard

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There are many people born to this earth who are not able to know of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that they deserve a choice as to whether they want to be a part of it or not. We do not force anyone to accept our gospel; however, baptism is an ordinance that can only be performed while in a mortal body. For this reason, we are vicariously baptized for those who were not, in their mortal bodies, able to do so themselves.
We also believe that there are many people praying that this work may be done vicariously for them. We work to find those people by tracing our ancestry back many generations. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Mormon says, "Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them. Yea, behold I say unto you, that those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant which he hath made with them" (Mormon 8:23). This is talking about those who have died, crying to receive the ordinances, such as baptism, that are only available in the flesh. The Lord has promised that they would have that opportunity, and we are the instruments he uses to fulfill that promise.Show moreShow less